Latest NewsMemorial Day sale! From now until Tuesday, May 28 (California time), enter promo code "MEM30" (all capital) at check-out and receive a whopping 30% off entire purchase, including already-discounted on-sale items!Check out items with reduced prices! Go to the ON SALE section for LPs & CDs up to 50% off!
* Check out the new Single Layer SACD reissue series from Venus Records in the SACD-Jazz section!
* Take a look at our Jazz vinyl LP selection!!
* Special audiophile formats from Japan: SHM-SACD, Blu-spec CD, HQCD and SHM-CD!

One of the giants of the alto saxophone, Johnny Hodges was perhaps the most important soloist and sideman in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1928 up to Hodges' death in 1970. The self-taught player made many solo forays during his long career, one of his '50s outfits included a young John Coltrane, but history remembers Hodges for his virtuosic sidemanship, particularly his sensitive rendering of ballads.

Originally issued on Verve Records in 1958, Blues A-Plenty finds the alto saxophonist in one of his standout dates as a leader, commandeering a talented group featuring Ben Webster (tenor saxophone), Roy Eldridge (trumpet) and Vic Dickenson (trombone) along with the Ellington rhythm section of Billy Strayhorn (piano), Jimmy Woode (bass) and Sam Woodyard (drums).

Recorded January 24 and 25, 1962 in New York. Originally released by Verve in 1962. This vinyl reissue released by Analogue Productions in 2013.